Summary

As Trump reshapes the federal government, critics accuse Democrats of weak opposition, likening them to France’s Vichy regime, which collaborated with Nazi Germany.

The term “Vichy Democrats” has gained traction, expressing frustration with perceived capitulation.

Historians caution against direct comparisons but note parallels between Vichy’s failed appeasement and Trump-era political shifts.

Others argue that America’s own history—Jim Crow and past authoritarian tendencies—is a more relevant analogy.

Some fear Trump’s consolidation of power could mirror past authoritarian takeovers.